For some, camping means finding the perfect flat spot. For others, it means driving across deserts, forging rivers and then curling up in a proper bed. The TenereX, built by Germany’s Hellgeth engineering, is aimed squarely at the latter group. Based on the Mercedes‑Benz Unimog U 4023—a four‑wheel‑drive workhorse more commonly seen hauling equipment than hauling glamping gear—the TenereX transforms into a self‑sufficient expedition home without losing its go‑anywhere soul.
Underneath, the TenereX retains the Unimog’s selectable all‑wheel drive, longitudinal and differential locks and portal axles for massive ground clearance. A factory‑fitted tire‑pressure control system and coil‑spring suspension help the 7.49-ton behemoth traverse narrow mountain paths and ford water up to 1.2m deep. Hellgeth even offers a six‑cylinder conversion bumping output to 299 horsepower for those who find the stock four‑cylinder wanting. Despite its size, it can be driven on a regular Class 3 driver’s license in Europe.
It’s inside where the TenereX truly surprises. The living module houses a double bed, induction cooktop and an 85‑liter compressor refrigerator tucked into a proper kitchen, plus a separate bathroom with shower and toilet. Fresh‑ and grey‑water tanks, roof‑mounted solar panels and lightweight aluminium construction allow the vehicle to remain off‑grid for several days. Given the bespoke nature of Hellgeth’s builds, pricing varies by specification, but expect to part with well over $200,000 to join the club.
Interest in expedition rigs has exploded as travellers seek adventures beyond established campgrounds; IMBOLDN’s past feature on TAXA’s pint‑sized Cricket camper proves the appetite spans sizes and budgets. The TenereX sits at the opposite end of the spectrum: more fortress than trailer, but with luxury touches that make crossing a continent feel indulgent.
Whether you’re chasing the horizon across the Sahara or just like the idea of parking your living room on a mountain pass, Hellgeth’s TenereX ensures you won’t have to rough it to explore the roughest places.
